"Smart" Bandages That Track And Treat Wounds

Engineers are taking band-aids to the next level. MIT engineers are creating the bandage of the future. Though the original design of the Band-Aid hasn't changed much since its 1920 invention, the "smart" bandage is more like a long-lasting, high-efficiency human body electronic device than your traditional bandage. These bandages will be made from stretchable hydrogel, and will include technology that can monitor wounds, administer drugs, and even alert a doctor when more medicine is needed. The hydrogel mimics the feel and capabilities of human skin for a comfortable, long-term fit. Inserted in the bandage are LED lights attached to the sensors, that will light up when a wound reaches a concerning temperature. In the future, the engineers are hoping to create probes to actually go inside the brain and body.